Some companies allow property owners to select tenants and set the screening criteria...We do not - our criteria does not bend. 

From there, I would like to consider a 1031 exchange in the future to acquire more units.My current property management company suggested that they could handle a mid sized apartment building but I would absolutely not consider them for it as I believe they have overextended themselves and communication is lacking.

A third party company that integrates with our system.

To sacrifice a good tenant, which is hard to come by these days in favor of higher rent, may not be the trade-off that you need or possibly want.

Hiring a contractor to assist with repairs and a property management company to manage rental.

Which companies did you choose?

It'll likely take a month or two assuming that the loan is with one of the large servicing companies that move at a glacial pace. 

Account Closed It will only show on your credit report if the person who is holding the notes goes to a servicing company so it is recorded.

I personally recommend checking Columbus OH - lots of job growth, population growth, and major companies moving and developing here.

Also you could start with local Plan-printing companies as they're always printing plan sets for architects and designers before they go to county and after the county comes back with changes.